How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Doors Patio Door Locks

Keep your patio door repair company near me doors in good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors and their locks.

If your patio door lock does not perform as it should You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch.

Inspect the Lock

Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and the convenient position within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore essential to ensure that your home is safe. There are simple ways to repair patio door locks that have stopped functioning.

The first step is to inspect the lock to see if anything hinders it from locking or latching. You must deal with any issues you spot like loose screws or corrosion. In some cases, a slight adjustment to the repairing patio doors door's position may suffice to resolve the issue.

Dust or debris can also cause the lock mechanism not to perform as it should. Clean your patio door and clean all lock hardware regularly to avoid this. If necessary, you can use mild soap. However, make sure to dry the lock completely afterwards.

It is also a good idea to lubricate your lock regularly. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are similar to those used in a machine that is finely tuned. They are susceptible to jamming and get stuck just like any other mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant can help to dislodge any dirt or debris that has collected in the lock's cylinder, and help keep it running smoothly.

It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door locks repair door lock. This will help you locate an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to go about this, it's advisable to speak with an expert tradesperson or locksmith for help.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock may jam up over time due to dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. But it's simple to fix these problems if you know how.

Before you attempt any who repairs sliding patio doors, first clean your lock. With a damp cloth, wipe away any stains or debris that might hinder your lock from working correctly. Then, use a small amount of hot soapy water to clean the lock mechanism and remove any grit or grime that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again.

Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks, which is secure but can be prone to problems in the course of time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that secure the latch body in place. After you have removed the latch plate and handle, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame.

Once the latch is removed and lubricated, you can apply with a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to eliminate dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may need to reposition your lock cylinder. This will require additional tools and should be performed by professionals. You can practice repositioning a cylinder, without having to take it off the door. Open and close the door while the cylinder is in lock position. Make pencil marks on the frame inside the area where the screws that support the locking cylinder are.

Lubricate the Lock

When your lock is free from dirt and debris it's a good idea to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Lubricants that are properly applied will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life.

Dry graphite is a great option to lubricate tiny metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also longer-lasting than liquids. It's easy to apply, and you can also use it on sliding doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock-cylinders.

Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, especially in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and do not attract dirt and dust as much as other liquid lubricants. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants can cause accumulation over time and could replace other lubricants you've tried.

Teflon-based lubricants are a good alternative to silicone lubricants since they last longer and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also ideal for cold climates, since they can prevent ice buildup within the lock.

If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith will dismantle the lock mechanism, and then install an entirely new cylinder that is compatible with your current keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if your door does not have one. This will increase security and safety. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door that are in keeping with the rest.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning and lubricating the door doesn't work, the problem could be that the latch on the door is not aligned correctly with the frame or jamb. To check this you need to open the sliding patio door and sight both ways from the door's opening to determine if the door is parallel with the jamb or frame. If not then loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch catches the latch tightly when the door is closed.

The latch can also be difficult to close due to the cylinder has worn out. A worn-out cylinder can make it difficult to turn the key, which is why you'll require an alternative. You should choose a cylinder with the same keyway and size as the one you had previously. This allows you to replace it with ease by unbolting the two halves before inserting the replacement cylinder.

Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of your current cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer number then take a photo of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and go to a hardware store to get help.

If you have a brand new cylinder, unscrew the screw with a flat head that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Use a screwdriver for the removal of the lock cylinder and the escutcheon plate from the door and door frame. Set the screw in a secure location so that you don't lose it or damage it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and let it loose enough to turn the cylinder.

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock not functioning properly could pose a serious risk to your security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get stuck inside the lock mechanism If this isn't addressed quickly enough the lock will eventually fail and stop providing security. It's a simple DIY project to replace the patio door repair door lock. You only need a few tools and some time.

Start by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch doesn't work the latch could be bent to far to perform as it should. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch with mortise locking to ensure it's as solid and secure as it can be.

Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not sure in tackling this DIY task. They will have all the equipment and know-how to install the lock properly.

Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is an essential part of routine maintenance. Verify that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them as needed. Lubricate your lock at least every year to prevent it from sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are exposed to heavy usage or extreme weather conditions should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant is important, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed for use on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). To get the best results apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole in the lock mechanism.